EXCELLENCE in constructing has been celebrated at an industry awards ceremony.

The Constructing Excellence North East (CENE) awards celebrated the achievements of 14 companies with prizes ranging from young achiever of the year, to sustainability and project of the year.

Catriona Lingwood, chief executive of CENE, said: “Once again, I was amazed at the quality of submissions we received this year.

“It’s been a tough few years for the construction industry, especially in our region, but these awards show the rest of the country exactly why the Government are looking to our industry to be at the forefront of economic growth- we are innovative, offer value for money, sustainability and have a positive impact on the surrounding community.”

The category winners will join the other regional winners at the national final which will take place in London in November, giving them an opportunity to receive further recognition on a national level.

The first ever lifetime achievement award was also handed to John Burns, the former CENE chairman, who retired last year.

Mr Burns helped set up the Construction Best Practice Club in 2000 and was heavily involved in the Construction and Property Sector with Service Network, both of which he chaired. He also chaired the Construction Industry Council, Constructing Excellence North East and was voted in as the National Club Chair for the Constructing Excellence National Council.